Officials from the California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA), Stockton, Newport Beach, Napa, Bakersfield, Susanville, County of Nevada and Santa Clara County fire departments participated in the transfer of seven new Type 2 Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Trailer Caches on August 24 and 25 at the Cal EMA Agency in Mather, CA.

"It's critical we give our firefighters the equipment they need to protect our communities during a disaster response," said Governor Schwarzenegger. "We have the best-trained, toughest and most experienced firefighters in the world."

The new trailers transferred are Type 2 Medium Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Trailers - a model with a minimum capability to conduct safe and effective search and rescue operations at structure collapse incidents involving the collapse or failure of Heavy Wall Construction. This level is also capable of conducting High Angle Rope Rescue, Confined Space Rescue, and Trench and Excavation Rescue. It's part of California's robust mutual aid system allowing for disaster response resources to be strategically positioned throughout the state.

A total of 18 Type 2 US&R Trailers were awarded to Cal EMA through a FY 2007-08 Federal Homeland Security grant and highlights the benefits of the Cal EMA Statewide Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid Program.

"Stationing Cal EMA-owned US&R trailers in local departments statewide is an integral and valuable component of the State's ability to immediately respond to the needs of local governments and nationally during emergencies," said Cal EMA.

"Local agencies benefit from the added emergency response capability in their daily operations and the State benefits from having the resources readily available to assist with search-and-rescue operations and disasters in the region," said Acting Secretary Matt Bettenhausen.